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We love it when one of our favourite spirits gets an update – and when it's just in time for the holidays, well, that's even better. For the uninitiated, Vodkow is a sustainable and carbon-neutral vodka from the Dairy Distillery that reduces food waste by taking unused milk sugar from Ontario dairy farms and transforms it into a unique spirit. The original vodka is the perfect partner in cocktails (like these four finalists from the Vodkow sustainable cocktail contest), but now they've created Vodkow Cream – a natural, lactose-free cream liquor made from 100 per cent Canadian cream that might be even better mixed up.
Local is the theme of 2020, and Vodkow – made in Almonte, Ontario with local pride and support – is no different. To celebrate like-minded producers and create community spirit, Vodkow developed the Friendship Series. The 4-piece gift pack includes flavours from local makers including Coffee Cream, Chocolate Cream and Maple Syrup Cream, as well as the Classic Vodkow Cream.
From Equator Coffee's Fairtrade approach to making java to Hummingbird Chocolate's Direct Trade relationships with farmers and Fulton's Maple Syrup's sustainable forestry, all three collaborators were aligned on the values of loving the land and creating their products in a way that benefits everyone. The result is a delicious partnership with the Dairy Distillery, all presented in an adorable old fashioned milk bottle to represent the industry Vodkow is working hard to support.
Kelsey Ramage – the 2020 Tales Spirited Awards Bartender of the Year and the co-founder of the Trash Collective and Dolly Trolley cocktail delivery service – is no stranger to the Dairy Distillery. Known for her low-waste bartending, Ramage found a perfect partnership in Vodkow's sustainable offering and is back with a Vodkow Cream cocktail just in time for the holidays (see recipe below).
“I named this Coffee Cocktail #2 which sounds basic, but let me explain. This is a variation on the coffee cocktail I used to make at Dandelyan (in London)," says Ramage. "Here, I've swapped the whole egg for whites and cognac for Vodkow Cream, Amontillado sherry and a touch of coffee. Bring in some Christmas spice with bitters and cinnamon syrup, and this cocktail is a belter. I hate egg nog so this is a very welcome alternative."
Classic Vodkow Cream ($29.95, 750 ml) and the Almonte Friendship Series Vodkow Cream Liquor Gift Pack ($45) is available from the Dairy Distillery and will be coming to the LCBO in time for the holidays.
Sponsored by Vodkow
Vodkow Coffee Cocktail #2
